Aldermen hear update on plans for July Fourth

The Jackson Board of Aldermen heard a status update on the city's upcoming Fourth of July celebration, which is bringing back some favorites, during the study session following its regular meeting Monday.

Alderman Larry Cunningham provided the aldermen with an update from the Independence Day Celebration Committee. The fireworks display hopefully will fall between a cost of $12,000 and $14,000, he said, and events so far planned for that weekend include:

* Mud volleyball

* Jackson Elks Beer Garden

* Helicopter rides

* Car shows

* Antique tractor display

* Pony and kiddie train rides

* Hot air balloon display

* Plastic duck races

* Golf ball drop from a helicopter

* The armored troop transport, also known as the MRAP -- an acronym for mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle -- from Cape Girardeau County will be on display

* Motorless parade

The board passed a motion during its meeting approving a matching expenditure, not to exceed $7,000, relative to the annual Independence Day Celebration fireworks display.

Janet Sanders of the Jackson Planning and Zoning Commission provided aldermen with information regarding a proposed lead ban ordinance during the study session.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources in February conducted a lead compliance inspection. As a result, the city of Jackson is required to pass an ordinance banning lead -- an issue already addressed in the city's building and plumbing codes.

The DNR requires a specific ordinance addressing a ban on lead, Sanders said. Those who already have lead fixtures in their homes will not have to remove them, but new installations cannot have lead in it.

Other action

* The board passed a resolution in support of a grant application to the DNR, under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Program, relative to the Jackson Soccer Park Playground Equipment Project. The grant would cover 45 percent of approved costs of the project, which would be reimbursed to the city, according to Shane Anderson, director of the Jackson Parks and Recreation Department. The city will not know its award until the fall, he said.

* The board set a public hearing for 7 p.m. May 19 to consider rezoning all of 1206 Old Cape Road from R-2, single-family residential, to C-2, general commercial district, as submitted by John and Valerie Bollinger, who plan to open a day-care facility on the property.

* The board passed an ordinance authorizing the contractual agreement with North Hubble Creek Development LLC and authorizing the execution of an option contract for conveyance of real estate, relative to a 6.11-acre tract of land, shown as Lot 1, of the Jackson North Industrial Park Subdivision.

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